Students will synthesize and prepare serial dilutions of gold and silver nanoparticles in order to determine their individual toxicity on brine shrimp. The brine shrimp are used as a model organism to examine the potential toxicity effects of nanoparticles.

This activity is designed to help students understand the concept of scale and magnification when examining a Blue Morpho butterfly wing. The activity requires the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) but images are provided if there is no access to an SEM.

This lesson explores the ethical concerns related to bio-nanotechnology. Bio-nanotechnology is the application of nanotechnology to living things. This ranges from the creation of pharmaceuticals to medical devices. While scientists have created many life-saving treatments ethical concerns, such as privacy, can arise from such technological advances.